Crouch’s Euro snub cost him an international comeback as a replacement for the injured Andy Carroll for the World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine, and meant Hodgson opted to stick with just three strikers. Crouch was surprised by Hodgson revealing his decision not to be put on hold for the Euros and the fact it was used against him for the first round of World Cup qualifiers.

A source close to Crouch said: “It is very strange this has all come out, but Peter will remain ­available for England. He is not going to ­retire from anything.” Hodgson was forced to hand last-minute calls to Raheem Sterling, Jake Livermore and Adam Lallana for the Ukraine clash after some of his players were hit by illness.

But that is not set to change Hodgson’s mind on his new ­approach, as the 65-year-old feels telling players they are on a ­reserve list has become divisive.

Capello used to name a 30-man provisional squad before cutting his long list down a few days ­before his players met up.

Hodgson feels that’s unnecessary and can breed bad feeling and confusion among the players who are ultimately dropped.

“If players drop out with injury, we will decide whether we need to replace them according to who is still there,” said Hodgson, who will keep a mental note of ­people he may turn to.

England’s next fixture is the World Cup qualifier against San Marino at Wembley on October 12, with Hodgson due to announce his squad eight days earlier.